Hi eveybody, iOS 4.3.. BT 1.5.. xcode4. I have a copyright law doubt to share with you. I'm adding a classic music mp3 sample to my app. It's in streaming, from http://imslp.org. They say is under Creative Commons, but when I try to download it they advice It could be under copyright in EU. I want to publish my app first in the italian App Store. I wonder If I just link to their web site, adding an info button saying what the original source is (so pasting the original web link), do you think can I have problem with Apple while submitting my app? I'd like to think no, because it's not hosted in my app, it's an external streaming, just like a normal YouTube video.. I want a suggestion by you, because I know some of you already fought with Apple during the app approval process :) Thank you, Claudio

This is a long and running debate. You could see this: http://www.buzztouch.com/forum/thread.php?tid=667A3753664AF272218857E

Thank you, David.. so basically I can just try, and see what happens.. anyway, learning by that post, I will email imslp.org asking for permission to link to their site.

I can tell you from experience that Apple probably won't care one way or the other initially. However you may end up getting an email from their legal department down the road ordering you to remove that content if a complaint is filed. If its under a creative commons license I can't imagine someone would complain but its a definite possibility. And if you are charging for your app they MAY want compensation. I had a problem linking to pictures on a group's website and they wanted to know how much money I made (luckily it was free) and the names of everyone who downloaded the app. Clearly they've never worked with apple before! In the end I just removed the links, sent an update and everyone was happy.

I believe Apple will only chase it if they receive a complaint, however, if you do then just redirect them to the link that says it is Creative Commons (after checking your copyright issues for Europe)

Another experience, discussed earlier I believe; The American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support algorithms, which are used in whole or in part by most every hospital, doctors office, EMS service are copyrighted by the AHA. I asked AHA for permission to re-print portions of their protocols which are already included in in-house protocols of my EMS clients. The apps, while available to all for a fee, are written specifically for a single entity and cannot be used legally by anyone outside those authorized in that agency to practice. The request was denied. Nothing intelligent was given as a reason.

Thank you all for your answers.. I needed several feedbacks, to get a big picture around the topic. Being under Creative Commons, I will link to them. Then, If they complain, I will remove it. Still Thanks, BT forum is amazing! :)